Member Notice: Correspondence Relating to Scaffold Erection Methods
NASC is aware that a letter has recently been circulated to a number of our member companies containing claims regarding the legality of current scaffold erection methods. The correspondence makes a number of significant legal assertions, including claims of statutory breaches and corporate liability.
Members are encouraged to fact check any such claims against the relevant legislation, recognised industry guidance and, where appropriate, seek independent legal or technical advice before drawing conclusions.
The legal position remains clear. The Work at Height Regulations 2005 require duty holders to apply the hierarchy of control, giving priority to collective protection over personal protection where it is reasonably practicable to do so. The Regulations do not prescribe a single method of scaffold erection, nor do they mandate the use of any particular product or proprietary system. Equally, neither the Regulations nor HSE identify any single scaffold erection method as the sole means of achieving compliance
Compliance is achieved through suitable and sufficient risk assessment, competent planning and the implementation of safe systems of work, appropriate to the specific task and circumstances.
NASC SG4 remains the recognised industry guidance for preventing falls in scaffolding operations. First introduced in 2000, SG4 has continually evolved to reflect advances in equipment, working methods, research and industry experience. Developed collaboratively with industry and supported by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), it represents established industry good practice and provides a robust framework for achieving compliance with the Work at Height Regulations.
The scaffolding industry undertakes an exceptionally wide range of work across many sectors and environments. From straightforward independent scaffolds to highly technical scaffolds in challenging environments with complex geometries. No single product or erection method can currently be regarded as a universal solution for every scaffold configuration.
This is one of the strengths of SG4. Rather than prescribing a single solution, it promotes a range of recognised methods and control measures, enabling employers to select the most appropriate safe system of work following a suitable and sufficient risk assessment. This reflects both the diversity of scaffolding operations and the principles of the Work at Height Regulations, which require measures that are reasonably practicable and specific for the task.
During the last quarter century, SG4 has evolved alongside significant improvements in the UK’s scaffold industry’s safety performance, as evidenced through successive NASC Safety Reports. While these improvements are the result of many factors, SG4 has played an important role in promoting safer systems of work and driving continuous improvement across the industry.
NASC welcomes innovation and continually reviews emerging technologies, products and working methods. However, NASC does not endorse or promote any individual manufacturer’s proprietary product or commercial solution. New technologies should be objectively assessed on the basis of technical evidence, practical application, legal compliance and their suitability across the broad range of scaffolding operations undertaken by the industry.
SG4 is about achieving safe outcomes, not promoting products. Its purpose is to help duty holders prevent falls and comply with their legal obligations by providing practical, evidence based guidance that can be applied across the full spectrum of scaffolding activities. NASC will continue to review new technologies and update its guidance where appropriate, ensuring that SG4 remains aligned with legislation, informed by evidence and focused on what matters most; continually improving the safety of those working in the scaffolding industry.
